Africa Oyé reveals full international lineup for 2026

Raw tribal power from Ghana and a mesmerising artist from Senegal have completed the main stage lineup for this year’s Africa Oyé festival.

King Ayisoba (Ghana) and Oumy (Senegal) will complement the international talent already announced for Africa Oyé’s 2026 festival, with artists from across the continent of Africa, the Caribbean and the wider Diaspora coming together for an incredible celebration of music and culture.

Headlining the festival are Grammy-nominated Afrofuturist chanteuse Fatoumata Diawara (Mali), a frequent collaborator of Damon Albarn and his Africa Express projects, and trailblazing Nigerian Afrobeats star Patoranking, who has spent over a decade shaping the genre’s global identity, with hits like “My Woman, My Everything” and “Babylon”.

British-born Reggae icon Janet Kay who’s number 2 charting 1979 single Silly Games introduced the world to the sound of Lovers Rock.

The legendary Ghorwane (Mozambique), who celebrate 40 years of magical and original music since their formation in the 1980s. The emblematic band’s thought provoking social commentary has inspired the lives of several generations.

Visually arresting eco-punks Fulu Miziki (DR Congo) whose unique sound supports a pan-African message of artistic liberation, peace and an uncompromising look at the ecological situation of the DRC – and the whole world.   

The transcendent Nana Benz Du Togo – an electrifying five-piece whose live shows are nothing short of spiritual – voodoo rhythms are fused with electro-soul, built for the dancefloor.

Trinidad’s Kobo Town reimagine Calypso, and bring an intoxicating blend of dancehall-reggae, trombone-heavy brass and lilting wit.

The Awale Jant Band (Senegal / France), whose music pulses with sabar-driven grooves, hypnotic basslines, intricate guitar melodies, and call-and-response vocals – echoing the communal spirit of West African performance.   

Completing the international live music program is Afrofuturist-electro pioneer Kizaba (DR Congo) – whose ancestral vocals meet the vibrant sounds of Congolese soukous and Afrobeat.

Between the live music two of the UK’s biggest names in African and Caribbean music grace the Oye stage – BBC1 Xtra heavyweights DJ Edu and Seani B.